Brother wants me to find him a "switch blade"

BBQ BOY

BBQ BOY

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My brother, who is 51, comes from the era of when having a switch blade was illegal and cool to have and cross bows were cool to show off, having a Dirty Harry .44 and Magnum P.I.was a role model. Please understand, I am not criticizing, but trying to stress who he is and how he views them and what he wants. So, with all of that being said, he wants me to find him ne at BLADE but I know NOTHING about them. What qualifies a knife to be a "switch blade"? When I think of a switch lade I only know of Microtech. Even then, I've never even held one.
Can any of you educate me on these knives and what to pick up for him at BLADE.
 
ProTech makes a high quality product. I have one and the quality is outstanding.
 
benchmade makes some nice autos as well,i've heard microtechs are only good for storing in your safe, then they must be stored open and their customer service sucks. I've never owned a microtech I'm just going by what people on the forums say, and they seem to be not to well thought of, get him a benchmade auto i've owned several, great knives, but check your state laws first and make sure they are legal to carry first.
 
I expect the image in your brothers mind is of one of those Italian stilleto type switchblades. He is the same age as me.
 
If I wanted an OTF I would get a Benchmade Infidel, because you can extend and retract the blade multiple times without resetting the knife each time. It just seems handier than the Microtech system...
 
I just got a Microtech Ultratech and it's a great knife. It's a double action out the front, meaning it will fire and retract via the switch and doesn't have to be manually cocked as the single actions do. Does your brother realize what they cost for decent OTF knives? At $230 the Ultratech is not cheap, but it is a quality knife that is well made and proven. I got to handle the Ut next to some other popular models from Protech, Benchmade and the new HK Epidemic. The Microtech felt the best in my hand, had the best blade with the least play of the ones I messed with and fired easily and smoothly. I would recommend the Microtech without a second thought.

Mine:
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BBQ BOY said:
South Carolina
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In South Carolina you can own and carry a switchblade. The only time it's a crime is if it's on school property, or in furtherance of another crime (applies to all knives over 2"). So no worries there.

As for the knife itself, an Italian OTF is going to be garbage. For an Italian styled side-opening switchblade, look at Frank Beltrame and Bill DeShives. Benchmade and Microtech make quality OTFs, but they're not cheap. At least a couple hundred bucks for the smaller, less elaborate models. A quality modern side-opening auto, like a MT, Protech, or Benchmade will be over $100.
 
I bought a Bill DeShivs Leverletto with honey horn scales just to have one. They are actually quite nice as far as sub $100 autos go with good materials and respectable lockup. Unless you are willing to spend the $300+ on a worthy OTF you might look at some of the higher quality Italian knives as mentioned. Classic design vs modern tactical look.

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Great info guy, thanks. I think the Ultratech may be what he is looking for. I may even pick one up for myself.
 
If this is something he means to use as a tool, it might be prudent to suggest an AO.

Yes, I realize it's not a "real" switchblade, but it still opens with one hand and can be used in a broad range of applications.

If he's only interested in having one for the sentimental/romantic value, then go for the gusto.

 
cucumberfly said:
I think he's thinking of Italian stilettos
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Considering the other things the OP referenced about his brother, that would be my guess.

The Frank Beltrames that Planterz mentioned are about the best of the reasonably priced stilettos. Don't remember seeing any at Blade last year, but they are probably around.

Latama will be at Blade and are top quality traditional stilettos, superb f&f, very well made. About the best you can get without going custom.

Protech has one they describe as having the "old school look" called The Don....both large and small sizes. Very nice knives and typical Protech quality. They do sell at Blade and give a reasonable discount from MSRP.

RetiredGuns said:
I bought a Bill DeShivs Leverletto with honey horn scales just to have one. They are actually quite nice as far as sub $100 autos go with good materials and respectable lockup.
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That could be another good choice. Not a stiletto, but has a classic look to it that might make his brother happy.

BBQ BOY said:
Great info guy, thanks. I think the Ultratech may be what he is looking for. I may even pick one up for myself.
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Not sure an OTF is really for someone who doesn't understand and want one, but he's your brother and you know him best.
 
I showed him vids of a OTF and stiletto tonight. he is leaning towards a OTF Microtech Ultratech. He wants to be able to carry it and likes the size. Thanks guys.
 
I highly recommend that you handle the knives mentioned firsthand while at Blade. I own both Microtech and ProTech autos and that's the best reccomendation I can give.
After handling them, you will see all the pros and cons.
If you want pics or more detail you can e-mail me.
 
My question is, how do you have more than 2000 posts on a knife forum and not know what a switchblade is...
 
Protech is nice especially their TR3. Heard many great things about them.
Microtech is very nice, just heard about some issues with them. but overall great.
Benchmade is great as well as their H&K Line. The H&K Tumult. (which i own)
I've ran this knife through it's paces and even abused it to "test" it. Outstanding quality. D2 tool steel shines when it comes to abuse. I'm not trying to knock any other brands. Frankly, to me, they're all basically the same thing. no night and day difference. One thing that a lot of people need to understand is warranty. Throw that idea out the window if you're not military or a LEO (Law Enforcement Officer). That's one reason why Microtech doesn't do warranty work for majority of their customers, same with benchmade. So what now? exactly!! pick a tough-ass knife that'll last, forget warranty!! but if it breaks, it won't hurt your wallet. for around $170 i picked the tumult.
good luck. if you're looking at stiletto, go with Frank B. or Latama.

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